Co-op has been names ‘climate leader of the year’ for supporting farmers at the front-line of the climate crisis.
The convenience retailer was awarded the title at the Fairtrade Global Awards led by farmers and workers in low-income countries.
Co-op director of technical, agriculture and sustainability Guy Stuart said the retailer is “proud” to have been awarded the award.
“The climate emergency is as a humanitarian crisis as much as an environmental one. That’s why we put people at the heart of our plan, pledging to support producers on the front line of the climate crisis,” he added.
As part of Co-op’s Climate Plan, more than £500,000 has been invested so far by the retailer and its partner suppliers to help implement climate-smart farming techniques designed to strengthen and mitigate against climate shocks, crop diseases, the rising cost of living, food insecurity and natural disasters well as promote sustainable production and diversification.
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UK chocolate company Green and Black’s was the winner of the Latin America and Caribbean category, highlight its commitment from sourcing from the area while actively supporting Fairtrade.
Ice cream brand Ben and Jerry’s was also named ‘Fairtrade partner of the year.’
The company’s global head of values-led sourcing Cheryl Pintro said: “Ben & Jerry’s commitment to Fairtrade and its principles is deep and longstanding; striving for social and economic justice is baked into our ethos of how we do business.
“With the global challenges we face, it is critical that across sectors, we become more transparent, resilient, and fair in terms of valuing and honouring the essential contributions of farmers and farmworkers along with all other supply chain actors.”